Member Article

360 Growth Partners Welcome Former NEL Investment Director to the Team

Newcastle-based business growth specialists, 360 Growth Partners, is expanding its team of experts by welcoming experienced finance associate David Thomas to help guide SMEs in financial planning and to secure investment.

With over 20 years of financial experience working in-house in senior finance roles, qualified accountant David has significant expertise in funding and investment support, delivering in the region of £50 million in public funding to North East businesses as Investment Director at NEL Fund Managers.

David joins 360 Growth Partners Director Andrew Silver and the team of experienced associates, including leadership development and HR associate Alice Ackroyd, marketing and digital marketing associates Samantha Legget and Anna Shepherd, and business technology associate Mark Jenkinson.

Commenting on his appointment, David said; “I was first introduced to Andrew in 2022 and it was obvious we shared a similar outlook and approach to supporting SMEs to grow and succeed. It turned out that my skill set complemented what Andrew was looking for and joining 360 Growth Partnership felt like a natural move for me.”

During his career David has worked with SMEs of all shapes, sizes and in many sectors, helping their growth through various financial means. At NEL Fund Managers he chaired the investment committee, as well as managing the team of investment specialists.

David continued, “Helping SMEs grow is where my interest lies. My experience as an accountant and an investment director gives me a unique skill set. I can see the financial gaps within businesses that will benefit from specialist support. That could be helping with business and financial planning, acting as an outsourced financial director, or on a project basis, advising and guiding businesses to secure investment.

“The experience I’ve had over many years has given me access to a broad range of businesses, from engineering and manufacturing companies to service industries. I work as an extension of the team, understanding owners and management teams, what makes them tick, their purpose and aspirations, and how the business makes money. Then I lend expert financial support to help them to reach their goals.”

Speaking of the appointment, Andrew Silver, said; “When I met David, it was obvious that we shared similar values and a desire to have a positive impact on the people and businesses we work with. He shares a similar approach to myself and the rest of the 360 Growth Partners associates in that his core driver is helping businesses grow sustainably, and in the right way.

“Our service offering spans coaching, marketing, technology, leadership development and HR support and the appointment of a finance associate completes the 360 business partnering service. I am delighted to introduce David to the team and our partners - he is very well respected within the business community and I know he will bring great value to everyone he works with.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rachel McBryde .